On this page you can find out about all the courses the Lothian Care Academy has to offer you.
This information will be updated as courses are developed and delivered. Please be sure to come back and check for updates or new offerings.
Click on the subject titles below for more information on each training opportunity and booking links.
Stoma Awareness
Training Aims:
To provide staff with the relevant knowledge to care for service users with stomas
What you will learn:
- The anatomy and surgery relevant to stoma formation
- The difference between a colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy
- What is a healthy stoma
- Roles and responsibilities when performing stoma care
- Practical skills of how to change a stoma pouch with manikin (medical dummy)
- The correct pouch for each type of stoma
- The psychological issues involved in stoma formation
- Problem solving and further sources of advice and support.
How you will learn:
- 1/2 day in person training at Edinburgh College, Digital Care Hub, Sighthill Campus.
- Includes practical exercises.
Who the training is for:
- Social Care Assistants & Healthcare Support Workers
Step into Care
Developed in partnership with Edinburgh College and the Lothian Care Academy this free 6-week blended online and face-to-face course to introduce students to a career in Social Care.
It is based on the Introduction to a Career in Social Care course developed by CDN Scotland, with additional practical skills to prepare for working in social care. See links below for people’s experience of the online component of the course:
Craig’s Introduction to a Career in Social Care
What you will learn:
A general introduction to working in the social care sector which includes
- What is meant by value-based care
- Communication and its importance
- Communication and its importance
- Team Working
- Standards of Care
- Requirements of a care worker
- Reflective practice
- Career opportunities in social care.
- Infection Control
- introduction First Aid
How you will learn:
- 6 week online course with weekly group session provided by Edinburgh college lecturer on Fridays
- Flexible learning at own pace through week
- Fortnightly sessions (weeks 2, 4 & 6) in person training for practical caring skills at Edinburgh College Sighthill Campus
- Guest speakers sharing what to expect working in the Health and Social Care sector.
Who is this training for
Anyone interested in a career in social services
- People who enjoy working with others and are seeking a new and rewarding career
- People who are compassionate and want to make a difference, supporting others to live full rewarding lives.
- No age restriction
- No formal academic qualifications or previous care work experience are required prior to course, English at IELTS 5
Progression:
- On completion of the course interviews for full or part time positions in partnered Care Homes and Care at Home services are available, leading directly into employment.
For more information and to apply please visit the Edinburgh College website using button below:
Becoming a Workplace Mentor
What you will learn:
Introduction to mentoring skills including:
- Definitions of mentoring
- How mentoring differs from coaching, training and social care or clinical supervision
- Mentoring skills, including:
- How to put mentoring skills into practice
- How to reflect on own mentoring skills and plan for ongoing development
How you will learn:
- Pre Course Activity Pack – downloadable below
- 1 day in person training at Edinburgh College (campus sites will vary)
- Group activities
Who this training is for:
- Mangers
- Any staff who do/will mentor others in work place
- Attendees should have some experience of supporting others as part of the training is reflecting back on situations and own skills
Potential progression:
- Actively participate and develop own mentoring skills in workplace
- Provides evidence for SVQ awards and SSSC Open Badges
- Become a member of mentoring network
- Further mentor and/or leadership training
Why Mentorship?
- An option to support your career progression
- Network of support from other mentors
- Meeting other social care staff from across Lothian
- New skill acquisition for CV Improves communication skills and self-confidence
- Support provided by trained lecturers
- Can be used as evidence for SSSC Open Badges or SVQ levels 2 and 3
- Aid in the development of new staff
Download the Pre-course workbook:
The Pre-Course work book is designed to help you reflect on your understanding of mentorship and its role within the workplace, this in turn builds a base for the full day’s training.
Understanding and Responding to the Needs of
People Living with Dementia
This exciting day course is an opportunity to explore understanding of the experiences of people with dementia,
It gives the opportunity to increase knowledge and skills by applying person-centered strategies to the care of a person living with dementia
What you will learn:
- Dementia: A Review
- Physical healthcare needs of the person with dementia
- Psychological & Social Needs of the person with dementia
- Understanding the person with dementia reality
- Responding to the person who is distressed
- Implications for Practice
How you will learn:
- One day face to face training
- Delivered by NHS Lothian Clinical Education Team Staff
- In a variety of venues across Lothian’s Health and Social Care Partnerships
- Various dates are available
Who is this training for:
- For all care staff working in Care Homes and Care at Home services.
Options for venues and dates will be offered at time of booking
When you undertake Lothian Care Academy provided training you will receive a certificate and reflective practice worksheet, these can be used to build a portfolio of learning and can be used as evidence of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL).
Lothian Care Academy and training providers aim to provide training in a way that inclusive to all learners. If a course attendee requires additional support please contact the Lothian Care Academy in the first instance: loth.careacademy@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
